U.S. patent application number 10/779374 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for convertible sheet material and bag.
Invention is credited to Algarin, Peter John, Higashi, Randy.
Application Number | 20050071920 10/779374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301848 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050071920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higashi, Randy ; et
al. |
April 7, 2005 |
Convertible sheet material and bag
Abstract
A towel to tote bag convertible article is disclosed that
comprises a towel, preferably a sports towel, having a planar face.
A pocket provided on the face has an opening sized to receive and
contain at least the second end region and the intermediate region.
The pocket is configured for being turned inside out to form a tote
bag. A closure is provided for enabling the closing of the pocket
opening after the pocket is turned inside out. A decorative or
waterproof lining may be attached to the pocket to form the outside
of the tote bag when the pocket is turned inside out. The towel can
be divided into different segments an additional pockets can be
provided on either side of the towel and a have mouths directed
longitudinally or laterally. There can be different shapes to the
planar part and there can be different separable portions of the
planar area to facilitate a smaller tote pocket for locating the
folded towel.
Inventors: |
Higashi, Randy; (Whittier,
CA) ; Algarin, Peter John; (Corona, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG LLP
2450 COLORADO AVENUE, SUITE 400E
SANTA MONICA
CA
90404
US
|
Family ID: |
46301848 |
Appl. No.: |
10/779374 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10779374 |
Feb 13, 2004 |
|
|
|
10680699 |
Oct 7, 2003 |
|
|
|
6780037 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/417 ; 383/4;
5/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/523 20130101;
A47G 9/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/417 ;
005/420; 383/004 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/06; B65D
030/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A towel to tote bag convertible article, said article
comprising: a) a towel having a first end region, a second end
region and an intermediate region between said first and second end
regions; b) a pocket formed along the towel at a region between the
ends, said pocket having an opening facing said second end region
and being sized to receive and contain at least one end region and
said intermediate region, said pocket being configured for being
turned inside out to form a tote bag containing at least one said
end region and said intermediate region; and c) closure means for
enabling the closing of said pocket opening after said pocket is
turned inside out.
2. The convertible article as claimed in claim 1, including a
lining attached to said pocket, said lining forming the outside of
said tote bag when said pocket is turned inside out.
3. The convertible article as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
lining is constructed from a waterproof material.
4. The convertible article as claimed in claim 1, including a tote
bag carrying strap attached to the inside of said pocket.
5. The convertible article as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
towel comprises a terry cloth sports towel.
6. The convertible article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the towel
is non-rectilinear in shape.
7. A towel to tote bag convertible article, said article
comprising: a towel having a planar face; a pocket formed with on
the towel, said pocket having an opening and being sized to receive
and contain the planar towel in a folded format, said pocket being
configured for being turned inside out to form a tote bag
containing the planar towel in the folded format; and a closure
attached to said towel and to the pocket at said opening for
enabling the closing of the pocket opening after the pocket is
turned inside out.
8. The convertible article as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
pocket includes at least one and preferably at least two rounded
closed corners, the rounded corners being remote from the closure
portion of the pocket, and including a lining with the pocket, said
lining forming the outside of said tote bag when said pocket is
turned inside out.
9. A towel to tote bag convertible article, said article
comprising: a towel having a planar form and a first end region, a
second end region and an intermediate region between said first and
second end regions; the towel including at least one planar portion
which is a partially separable area relative to a larger portion of
the towel planar face so that when the area and portion are
separated, folding the towel is facilitated into a smaller width; a
pocket formed with the towel located over only a portion of the
width, said pocket having an opening and being sized to receive and
contain at least a second end region and said intermediate region
when the towel portions are separated and the towel is folded, and
a closure attached to said towel and to the pocket at said opening
for enabling the closing of the pocket opening after the pocket is
turned inside out.
10. The convertible article as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
pocket includes at least one and preferably at least two rounded
closed corners, the rounded corners being remote form the closure
portion of the pocket, and including a lining attached to said
pocket, said lining forming the outside of said tote bag when said
pocket is turned inside out.
11. The convertible article as claimed in claim 9, wherein said
lining is constructed from at least one of a decorative material or
a waterproof material.
12. The convertible article as claimed in claim 9, wherein said
pocket is configured for being turned inside out to form a tote bag
containing at least one end region and an intermediate region of
the towel.
13. The convertible article as claimed in claim 9, wherein said
pocket the towel including at least two planar portions which are
partially separable areas relative to a larger portion of the towel
planar face so that when the areas and portion are separated,
folding the towel is facilitated into a smaller width.
14. The convertible article as claimed in claim 9, wherein said
pocket the towel including at least two planar portions which are
partially separable areas relative to a larger portion of the towel
planar face, the two planar portions being on either side of a
central area and there being lines of separation extending from an
end towards an intermediate part of the towel so that when the
areas and central area are separated, the portions of the towel to
either side of the central area can be folded onto the central area
and the towel in turn folded into a pocket located in the central
area.
15. A sheet material to bag convertible article, said article
having a consumer use as a sheet material and as a bag, and the
article comprising: a) a sheet material having a first end region,
a second end region and an intermediate region between said first
and second end regions; b) a pocket formed along the sheet material
at a region between the ends, said pocket having an opening facing
said second end region and being sized to receive and contain at
least one end region and said intermediate region, said pocket
being configured for being turned inside out to form a bag
containing at least one said end region and said intermediate
region; and c) closure means for enabling the closing of said
pocket opening after said pocket is turned inside out.
16. The convertible article as claimed in claim 15, including a
lining attached to said pocket, said lining forming the outside of
said bag when said pocket is turned inside out.
17. The convertible article as claimed in claim 16, wherein said
lining is constructed from a waterproof material.
18. The convertible article as claimed in claim 15, wherein said
sheet material is a fabric or natural product.
19. A sheet material to bag convertible article, said article
comprising: a sheet material having a planar face; a pocket formed
with on the material, said pocket having an opening and being sized
to receive and contain the planar face in a folded format, said
pocket being configured for being turned inside out to form a bag
containing the planar face in the folded format; and a closure
attached to said material and to the pocket at said opening for
enabling the closing of the pocket opening after the pocket is
turned inside out.
20. The convertible article as claimed in claim 19, wherein the
pocket includes at least one and preferably at least two rounded
closed corners, the rounded corners being remote from the closure
portion of the pocket, and including a lining with the pocket, said
lining forming the outside of said bag when said pocket is turned
inside out.
21. A consumer article sheet material to bag convertible article,
said article having a consumer use as a sheet material and as a bag
as comprising: a material having a planar form and a first end
region, a second end region and an intermediate region between said
first and second end regions; the material including at least one
planar portion which is a partially separable area relative to a
larger portion of the material planar face so that when the area
and portion are separated, folding the material is facilitated into
a smaller width; a pocket formed with the material located over
only a portion of the width, said pocket having an opening and
being sized to receive and contain at least a second end region and
said intermediate region when the material portions are separated
and the material is folded, and a closure attached to said material
and to the pocket at said opening for enabling the closing of the
pocket opening after the pocket is turned inside out.
Description
RELATED PATENT AND APPLICATION
[0001] This application relates to U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,041, issued
Oct. 23, 2003, entitled "CONVERTIBLE TOWEL TO TOTE BAG ARTICLE AND
METHOD OF MAKING SAME", and is a continuation in part of
application Ser. No. 10/680,699, filed Oct. 6, 2003. The contents
of both the patent and the application are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
convertible sheet materials, more particularly to fabrics such as
linens and towels, and still more particularly to combination
towels and tote bags.
[0003] The difficulties associated with bringing such amenities or
necessities as a large sports towel, jewelry, keys, wallets,
reading materials, and various electronic gear to a gym, beach
outing, or picnic are well known to many people. Not only must an
individual carry such articles to and from a gym, beach, or picnic,
but also the individual needs to keep the articles readily
accessible while on the beach or at the picnic. The difficulties
are exacerbated if the individual also has his or her hands
occupied, for example, with carrying a food hamper or ice
chest.
[0004] Various types of "carry-ails" are, of course, available,
including tote bags and satchels, not to mention the ubiquitous
plastic and paper grocery bags. However such known "carry-alls" are
often inconvenient to carry and are often unattractive and/or are
not "cool". In addition, "carry-alls" known to the present inventor
do not have any function other than carrying articles.
SUMMARY
[0005] In a first form, a towel to tote bag convertible article
comprises a towel having a first end region, a second end region
and an intermediate region between the first and second end
regions. A pocket formed with the towel has an opening and is sized
to receive and contain the towel.
[0006] In one form, the pocket is configured for being turned
inside out to form a tote bag containing the towel.
[0007] Closure means, preferably a zipper, enables the closing of
the pocket opening before and after the pocket is turned inside
out.
[0008] Preferably, the convertible article includes a lining
attached to the pocket, the lining forming the outside of the tote
bag when the pocket is turned inside out. The lining may be
constructed from a waterproof material. Also preferably the
convertible article includes a tote bag carrying strap attached to
the inside of the pocket, and the towel comprises a terry cloth
sports towel.
[0009] In one form, a towel to tote bag convertible article
comprises a sports towel having a first end region, a second end
region and an intermediate region between the first and second end
regions. A pocket is formed at and across the first end region, the
pocket having an opening facing the second end region and being
sized to receive and contain the second end region and the
intermediate region, the pocket being configured for being turned
inside out to form a tote bag containing the second end region and
the intermediate region.
[0010] In another form, the towel to tote bag convertible article
is arranged with a pocket in a position between the ends such that
the ends can be folded and located in the pocket. This position can
be midway between the ends or at some other suitable location.
Preferably, the pocket is turned inside out to receive these ends.
For instance the pocket can be located in the intermediate
area.
[0011] In yet a different form of the invention, the pocket is
arranged to receive an ice pack or heat pack and can thereafter be
closed such that the item becomes a device for use for instance
medically on the surface of the body to apply heat or cold as may
be necessary the bag or towel can wrap around the body to ensure
anchorage on the body of the ice pack or heat pack as necessary.
Ideally the ice pack or heat pack is contained in a waterproof
lining in the pocket.
[0012] A tote bag carrying strap is attached to the inside of the
pocket. A zipper is attached to the towel and to the pocket at the
pocket opening for enabling the closing of the pocket opening
before and after the pocket is turned inside out. Also included is
a lining attached to the pocket, said lining, which may be
constructed of a decorative or waterproof material, forming the
outside of the tote bag when the pocket is turned inside out.
[0013] There is provided a corresponding method for constructing a
towel, which may be a sports towel, that converts into a tote bag,
the method comprising the steps of forming a towel having a first
end region, a second end region and an intermediate region between
the first and second end regions; making a pocket at the first end
region having an opening facing the second end region and extending
across the first end region and of sufficient size to receive and
contain the second end region and the intermediate region.
[0014] The steps of forming a tote bag include turning the pocket
inside out with the second end region and the intermediate region
contained in the tote bag; and of providing a common closure for
the pocket and the tote bag.
[0015] A tote bag carrying strap is included to the inside of the
pocket and is attached to a lining, which may be made of a
decorative material and/or a waterproof material. This strap is
inside the pocket, and the lining forms the outside of the tote bag
when the pocket is turned inside out.
[0016] The towel may have additional pockets arranged laterally
and/or longitudinally in different sectors and sides of the towel.
The towel can also be divided into segments so that different size
portions of the towel can be used separately or together in the
convertible system.
[0017] In yet a further form, the pocket occupies the width of the
towel or less than the width of the towel. One or more corners of
the pocket can be rounded to facilitate a smooth construction when
the pocket is inverted so that the towel can be located in the
invented pocket. In another manner when the pocket is located at
one end of the towel, the towel has rounded corners at least if the
two ends where the pocket is located rather than straight edged
corners. These rounded corners are co extensive with the corners of
the pocket. The other two corners of the towel has the opposite end
may be straight edged or can provide rounded corners as
desired.
[0018] In yet a different form, a portion of the towel can have
features such that the towel is for instance not rectilinear but
may be shaped in a rounded fashion for instance as a basketball or
a football. Other shapes can be provided in adherence with the
pocketed portion.
[0019] In yet another form, the towel can include partially
separable areas so that when the areas are separated folding is
facilitated into a smaller width of size. In this fashion a bag can
be located over only a portion of the width and can be effectively
smaller than the entire width of the towel. In this manner the
towel can be compactly folded into a bag alternatively smaller size
than a bag located over the entire width of the towel.
[0020] There is also a sheet material to bag convertible article.
The article comprises a sheet material having a first end region, a
second end region and an intermediate region between said first and
second end regions; and a pocket formed along the sheet material at
a region between the ends. The pocket has an opening facing said
second end region and being sized to receive and contain at least
one end region and said intermediate region. The pocket is
configured for being turned inside out to form a bag containing at
least one said end region and said intermediate region. A closure
means for enabling the closing of said pocket opening after said
pocket is turned inside out. Where there is a lining it is
preferably attached to said pocket, said lining forming the outside
of said bag when said pocket is turned inside out. The lining is
constructed from a waterproof material.
[0021] The sheet material is a fabric or natural product such as
leather. The convertible product can be blanket in its extended
form or other article of utility for use by a user as a consumer
article.
DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention can be more readily understood by a
consideration of the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the convertible towel in
accordance with the present invention showing a pocket formed in
one end region of the towel, showing a zipper closure for the
pocket and showing tote bag carrying straps extending from inside
the pocket.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional drawing, taken along line 2-2 of
FIG. 1 showing features of the pocket.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing similar to FIG. 1, showing
regions of the towel in the process of being tucked into the
pocket.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective drawing showing
the pocket turned inside out to form a tote bag with regions of the
towel retained inside the tote bag.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view representation of an alternative
embodiment of the towel, wherein the towel can be divided into
separate parts and wherein their extra mouths and pockets in the
towel.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the towel of FIG. 5 partly
rolled towards the pocket at the one end.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a view of the invented towel showing extra pockets
on the outside.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing of the convertible towel in
accordance with the present invention showing a pocket formed in
one end region of the towel, showing a zipper closure for the
pocket and showing tote bag carrying straps extending from inside
the pocket, and the corners of the towel being rounded.
[0031] FIGS. 9a to 9f are perspective drawings of the convertible
towel in accordance with the present invention showing a pocket
formed in one end region of the towel, showing a closure for the
pocket and showing tote bag, and wherein portions of the towel are
separable and wherein a bag of a size smaller than the width of the
towel is used to hold a folded towel. FIGS. 9a to 9f show the
folding of the towel in its different stages.
[0032] FIGS. 10a to 10f are side view drawings of the convertible
towel in accordance with the present invention showing a pocket
formed in one end region of the towel, showing a zipper closure for
the pocket and showing tote bag carrying straps extending from
inside the pocket. FIGS. 10a to 10f show the folding of the towel
in its different stages.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a side view of a towel with a heat pack or
icepack in a pocket.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of a towel with a heat pack or
icepack in a pocket, and the pocket towel inverted.
[0035] FIGS. 13a to 13e are drawings of the convertible towel in
accordance with the present invention showing a pocket formed in a
mid region of the towel, showing a closure for the pocket and
showing tote bag. FIGS. 13a to 13e show the folding of the towel in
its different stages.
[0036] FIG. 14 is front view of a towel with a circular shaped
portion of the towel and a pocket region at one end.
[0037] In the various Figures, the same elements and features are
given the same reference numbers.
DESCRIPTION
[0038] Shown in perspective in FIG. 1 is a convertible towel to
tote bag article 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the invention. Convertible article 10 converts, in the manner
described below, into a tote bag. Shown comprising convertible
article 10 are a towel 12 and a pocket 14. Towel 12 is formed of a
rectangular piece of a fabric, such as a heavy cotton towel fabric
or a terrycloth material.
[0039] Towel 12 has respective first and second long side edges 16
and 18 and has a length, L, that may, for example, be about 72
inches. In addition, towel 12 has respective first and second short
end edges 20 and 22 and has a width, W, that may, for example, be
about 36 to 38 inches and width, W, is between about 131/2 inches
and about 14 inches.
[0040] Pocket 14 is shown as a flat pocket, but alternatively may
be of an expandable "cargo" type. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pocket
14 is formed by attaching a piece of fabric 30 across a first end
region of towel 12, for example by sewing edges of the fabric piece
to towel end 22 and along towel side edges 16 and 18.
Alternatively, fabric piece 30 may comprise a folded over end of
towel 14. Pocket 14 has a depth, D, that may, for example, be about
12 to about 18 inches and has an opening 32 that faces towel second
end 22. A pocket closure zipper 34 is provided for closing pocket
opening 32, a first zipper half 36 being sewn to an edge of fabric
piece 30 at opening 32 and a mating, second zipper half 38 being
sewn at an upper surface 40 of towel 12 adjacent the first zipper
half.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2 pocket 14 may include a sewn in lining 42
that forms an inside of the pocket. Lining 42 may be formed of a
waterproof material, of a decorative material, or of a decorative
waterproof material. Respective first and second carrying strap
sections 44 and 46 (FIG. 1) are each attached at one end inside
pocket 14.
[0042] A first step of converting article 10 into a tote bag is
depicted in FIG. 3. A region of towel 12 adjacent second towel end
22 is inserted into pocket 14. The exposed towel region
intermediate first and second ends 20 and 22 are then tucked into
the pocket until the entire, previously exposed region of towel 12
is stowed inside pocket 30.
[0043] Pocket 30 is then turned inside out to form tote bag 50
(FIG. 4) with towel 12 contained inside, and with lining 42 now
forming the outside of the tote bag. Carrying strap sections 44 and
46 are now completely exposed and may be joined together by a
buckle 52. As depicted, zipper halves 36 and 38 will now line up
and pocket (now tote bag) opening 30 (shown open) may be zippered
closed.
[0044] The invented towel to tote bag convertible article has a
towel having a material with a first surface and an opposite
surface; and a pocket formed on a first surface. The pocket
includes a layer of material that in a first condition lies
substantially adjacent to the first surface. The pocket has an
opening between the layer and the first surface and is sized to
receive and contain the material of the towel. The pocket is
configured for being turned inside out to form a tote bag
containing said towel.
[0045] There is a lining attached to said pocket, and the lining
forms the outside of said tote bag when said pocket is turned
inside out. The lining is constructed from a waterproof material,
and also the material on the surface of the towel facing the lining
of the layer is formed of a waterproof material. In other cases and
and/or additionally the lining surface may be formed of a
decorative surface.
[0046] A closure for enabling the closing of said pocket opening
before and after said pocket is turned inside out, and wherein said
closure means is selectively a zipper or a Velcro or other
buttoning system.
[0047] In other forms there are at least some other pockets located
with the surface of the material. The towel material can be formed
with multiple plies, and the other pockets are defined between the
multiple plies. There can be multiple different pockets located
with surface of the towel. Selectively there are other pockets
located on both surfaces of the layer.
[0048] The material for the towel includes areas for separation so
that the material is selectively separable into different
components, and there are joinder elements to rejoin the
components.
[0049] The convertible towel to tote bag of FIGS. 5 through 7 can
have a longitudinal pocket 60 running along the one side of the
towel 12 is a pocket which can have a zipper or Velcro
configuration 62 for affecting closure. In effect the portion of
the towel 12 is a double ply. Between the two plies forming the
towel 12. Different items can be stored there, as this is desired
by inserting items through the mouth 60. After closing the mouth 60
these items are relatively secure in the pocket.
[0050] Also that the extremity of the towel 12 there are two
grommets 64 which can be used for hooking the towel as desired for
instance to a golf bag or on a hook in an athletic club. A loop 66
is shown in one of the grommets 64.
[0051] Additionally the towel 12 can be formed in segments 68 and
70 and 72, and the segments can be connected with a Velcro strip 74
and 76 respectively. This permits the towel to be divided into
segmented smaller sizes as may be desired. Alternatively with the
Velcro strip 74 and 76 connected a full-size towel 12 is
achieved.
[0052] The outside of the pocket 14 is provided with an additional
pocket 78. The mouth for the pocket is indicated as 80. This pocket
78 can be for securing small elements or smaller towel as may be
necessary the walls of the pocket are shown in the phantom lines
82.
[0053] Also on the reverse side as shown in FIG. 7 there are two
additional pockets 84 and 86 which can be used for securing further
items. The pockets can be closed by any suitable means.
[0054] In FIG. 8 the towel 12 has a planar face has four corners
90, 92, 94 and 96 of the towel 12 which are rounded to facilitate a
smooth construction when folded out of the planar layout. The
pocket 14 is also constructed with rounded corners 94 and 96 such
that pocket 14 can be inverted easily with two corners 94 and 96 of
the pocket being uncreased or being flat. Thus when the pocket 14
is inverted, the towel 12 can be located in the inverted pocket 14
easily and in a manner that it does not create an uneven construct
when the pocket 14 is inverted. The inversion can be easily
effected without creases and the need to force the corners to be
smoothed. Thus when the pocket is located at one end of the towel,
the towel has rounded corners 94 and 96 at least at the two ends
where the pocket is located rather than straight edged corners.
These rounded corners are co extensive with the corners of the
pocket. The other two corners 90 and 92 of the towel at the
opposite end are rounded as shown in FIG. 8 but they could be
straight edged as desired.
[0055] In FIGS. 9a to 9d the pocket 14 occupies the width 98 less
than the width 100 of the towel 12. As shown in FIGS. 9a to 9f the
towel 12 includes partially separable areas 102 and 104 so that
when the areas 102 and 104 are separated from the pocket area 14,
folding is facilitated into a smaller width of size. In this
fashion a pocket 14 can be located over only a portion 98 of the
width 100 and can be effectively smaller than the entire width 100
of the towel. The towel 12 can be compactly folded into a pocket or
bag 14, which is of a smaller size than a bag, which would
otherwise be located over the entire width 100 of the towel 12. The
portions 102 and 104 are separated from the pocket 14 and folded
over the towel portion 12. The two side strips 106 and 108 are
folded over a central portion 110 folded, and then the folded
format is folded underneath as indicated by line 113 and arrow 114.
The underneath folded portion 116 is then fitted into the pocket
when pocket is inverted as indicated by arrows 118. The pocket 14
is then inverted so the lining 42 is on the outside.
[0056] The folding of the towel 12 underneath the pocket 14 and
then into an inverted pocket is shown further in FIGS. 10a to 10f.
This folding technique is applicable whether the pocket is of the
full width or a partial width of the towel
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 the pocket 14 is arranged to
receive an ice pack or heat pack 120. The pocket 14 is thereafter
closed such that the item becomes a device for use for instance
medically on the surface of the body. The purpose is to apply heat
or cold as may be necessary the bag or towel can wrap around the
body to ensure anchorage on the body of the ice pack or heat pack
as necessary. In FIG. 11 the pack is located adjacent the
waterproof lining. In FIG. 12 the ice pack or heat pack is
contained in the towel with the waterproof lining of the pocket
inverted, and the towel 12 folded inside the pocket 14. Zipper
portions 36 and 38 or other closure members such as Velcro TM can
form the closure 122 or the like or other closure systems.
[0058] The towel 12 to tote bag 14 convertible article 10 shown in
FIGS. 13a to 13e are arranged with a pocket 14 in a position
between the ends 20 and 22 such that the ends 20 and 22 can be
folded and located in the pocket 14. This position of the pocket 14
is about midway between the ends 20 and 22. The pocket 14 is turned
inside out to receive these ends 20 and 22. The pocket 14 can be
located in other areas of the intermediate area away from the areas
adjacent the ends 20 and 22. In some other cases this can be at
another suitable location, and may not extend across the entire
width of the towel 12. As shown in the series of drawings FIGS. 13a
to 13e the towel 12 is folded under the pocket 14 initially and
then the pocket 14 is inverted so that the towel 12 is located in
the pocket. There can be an outer waterproof and/or decorative
lining 42 on the outside of the pocket 14 in the arrangement of
FIG. 13e.
[0059] A portion of the towel 12 can have features such that the
towel 12 is for instance not rectilinear. As shown in FIG. 14 it is
shaped in a rounded fashion 122 for instance as a basketball. In
other cases it can be the shape of a football. Other shapes can be
provided in adherence with the pocketed portion. Different printing
can be applies to the planar surface, and different figures and
shapes can be used. In yet another form, the towel can include
partially separable areas so that when the areas are separated
folding is facilitated into a smaller width of size. In this
fashion a bag can be located over only a portion of the width and
can be effectively smaller than the entire width of the towel. In
this manner the towel can be compactly folded into a bag
alternatively smaller size than a bag located over the entire width
of the towel.
[0060] There is also a sheet material to bag convertible article
which is not in the nature of a towel. The article comprises a
sheet material of a selected shape having a first end region, a
second end region and an intermediate region between said first and
second end regions; and a pocket formed along the sheet material at
a region between the ends. The pocket has an opening facing said
second end region and is sized to receive and contain at least one
end region and said intermediate region. The pocket is configured
for being turned inside out to form a bag containing at least one
said end region and said intermediate region.
[0061] A closure means enables the closing of said pocket opening
after said pocket is turned inside out. Where there is a lining it
is preferably attached to said pocket, said lining forming the
outside of said bag when said pocket is turned inside out. The
lining is constructed from a waterproof material.
[0062] The sheet material is a fabric or natural product such a
leather. The convertible product can be blanket in its extended
form or other article of utility for use by a user as a consumer or
fashion article to be used for multiple purposes where ins one form
it is used as sheet material and other as a pocket.
[0063] Although there has been described above a towel that is
convertible into a tote bag in accordance with the present
invention for purposes of illustrating the manner in which the
present invention maybe used to advantage, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited thereto. For instance although
the pocket is shown essentially as rectilinear there can be other
shaped pockets for instance round, or triangular. The pocket can be
located at different locations relative to the main towel area.
consequently, any and all variations and equivalent arrangements,
which may occur to those skilled in the applicable art, are to be
considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention as
set forth in the claim that appended hereto as part of this
application.
* * * * *